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Dog lovers so often possess an acute sensitivity to all living creatures. Spending time with dog owners at the 2016 National Dog Show on November 18-20, 2016 in Philadelphia, my awe of the dogs extended on out to their people. The great beauty and mystery of dogs comes to life in well told narratives of love. Our dogs light us up. My husband John, daughter Inga and I love connecting with friends and their beloved canines. This year's show was fabulous. We love the spirit of the show.

Stationed next to the extraordinary therapy dogs, I had unsurpassed placement. Therapy dogs are beautiful in their peaceable intention. These dogs are healers.

I loved painting 2015 Best in Show Skye Terrier Charlie with his handler Larry Cornelius for the National Dog Show official poster and program cover. I revel in the mystery of the fathomless depth of our dogs. In flicks of paint and line, one humbly captures mere indications of the evolution that took millions of years to culminate in the refinement, majesty and allure of each individual dog. This work was especially subtle. Dog portraiture is compelling. Painting Charlie, I wanted to capture some essence of the dog beneath that gorgeous coat of hair. Charlie is a Skye Terrier of such effortless grace that many predicted he would be the show's top dog in advance of the final judging.

For reference, I used the magnificent photo of Charlie and Larry taken by Rhonda Cassidy, photographer par excellence (at mydoglovesrcphotos).

The wisdom and observations of the stellar National Dog Show television announcers, David Frei, Mary Carillo and John O’Hurley, often stay with me. I love their reminder that the very best dog, as one sits and watches the show unfold on Thanksgiving afternoon, is the the family dog cuddling at your side.

I was delighted that my posters were free of cost as a gesture of thanksgiving from the National Dog Show to all the people who love this show. My art was also utilized on the line of National Dog Show merchandise. Everything always looks beautiful!

The Havanese (left) are breathtakingly beautiful. They run with grace. I love the stories of their deep love and loyalty. In 2015, we photographed many dear Havanese dogs at the National Dog Show. With such heart-stopping, best-of-breed reference, I had to do a piece of art!

Due to requests, I am offering a giclee print of this art, 16x20 inches, $200 plus $25 shipping. The giclees are beautiful! If you would like to order a print, please email me at ChrisDuke@ChrisDukeArt.com.

I drew many champion canines this year, but it is always a pleasure to draw a family pet like my dear little Lucy (bottom right) with her peccadilloes in full glory. While Lucy does not reflect the breed standard with her long legs and crossed eyes, she has our favorite Boston Terrier structure. She is an esteemed individual around New Hartford. The UPS and FedEx folk know her by name and the auto shop mechanics invite her into their shops. We prefer dining al fresco at establishments where Lucy is welcome and the wait staff greets her. She is such a great dog and friend.

Because I illustrate THE PLAYERS Championship winner each year, I was on the edge of my seat once again as I watched the Sunday afternoon tournament in May 2016. I love so many of the golfers.

Jason Day is a long-time favorite of mine because of his amazing life story, an epic adventure beginning in Beaudesert, Queensland, Australia. I love the international aspect of golf, and love to root for players who hail from across the planet in this finely mannered game.

At the 2015 National Dog Show, the Lagotto Romangnolo Niko represented this magnificent and ancient breed now officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Lagotto breed entered the AKC register in 2015 in the sporting group.

Meeting Niko and his owner, Tom Smyth, was a pinnacle of the show. I was honored that Tom commissioned me to paint his distinguished dog. Niko is incredible. One can discern Niko’s structure beneath his whorls of curls, something I took pains to capture. Niko is lovingly affectionate yet, wow, what a powerful and dignified stance. One can well imagine his fellow Lagotti as devoted truffle hunters, running through magnificent vistas of Italy (while wishing one was there, at their heels, following).

Above are some preliminary sketches, sent to Tom, as well as the finished, framed piece of art.

Odin won the best of his breed at the 2015 Westminster Dog Show, which is where I met him and his owner, Carla. Painting Carla’s daughter, Amanda, who is also Odin’s handler, with the beloved Odin was a highlight of the winter season.

I photographed for the painting in Northville, Michigan in November 2015, and was mesmerized by the relationship between the two: an interspecies romance for sure. Odin is delighted to please Amanda, even when asked to sit tiresomely still for the “demanding” artist. One gets the feeling the esteemed dog complies all because she asked. Such dignity and grace. Painting over a span of weeks, one gets to contemplate one’s subject and Odin is one of dogdom’s best. The family will treasure their painting!

It was a thrill to be at the National Dog Show on November 14-15, 2015, signing my posters in a lovely display area (pictured bottom right) surrounded by some of my original works. I loved meeting the handler I had illustrated in the show’s official poster. In the top right image, I am with Angela Lloyd, a top professional handler of many dogs. Back at the Westminster Dog Show, I had illustrated Angela with the magnificent Scottish Deerhound Hickory, who was honored Best in Show. At top center, I am pictured with David Frei, the forever fascinating television announcer of the National Dog Show.

Speaking with dog people at the show is sheer gift. Stories of a dog’s devotion are so often profound; dogs are healers. Through the conversations, I have come to feel an affinity for many more breeds than when I began drawing dogs, back when the strong and competent working group stole my heart. This year, I spent a lot of time with the Havanese breeders, finding myself in awe of the fluffy yet steely little characters. Dogs are unique; the individuality is what I love to capture when I draw. At the National Dog Show, the Lagotto Romangnolo, a breed newly recognized by the American Kennel Club, became one of my favorites. It is so fitting that this beautiful, ancient breed hails from Italy.

The National Dog Show has a relaxed friendly ambience. I talked to people who have attended every show from the beginning and would not miss a year. For me, every year has a particular character, dependent on the particular grand dogs who participate. It will be an honor to record something of each show in my paintings as years go forward.

I am delighted that this painting of Rickie Fowler joins my pantheon of paintings that honor all the winners of THE PLAYERS golf tournament in the beautiful gallery at Ponte Vedra, Florida. Included in my art of the champion, Rickie Fowler, are Sergio Garcia and Kevin Kissner, fellow stars of the magnificent Sunday-afternoon, three-hole aggregate score playoff.

Every year's tournament is unique and unpredictable, due to all the steely golfers at the top of their game. They walk beautiful fairways as morning light turns to afternoon, then fades to evening sunset. When I think of summer, the perfection of Sawgrass fairways always come to mind. For art, the best of backdrops to the story of a weekend!

On February 16, the first evening in the arena, I took part in the presentation of $10,000 by the Westminster Kennel Club to a canine charity. The money came from the poster proceeds. Worthy piece of art!